Guide
The Kagoshima Prefectural Museum is a comprehensive institution dedicated to the natural history, geology, astronomy, and regional archaeology of Kagoshima Prefecture. The museum complex consists of three distinct facilities: the Main Building, the Annex, and the Archaeological Museum (a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan). With a strong focus on research and education in natural sciences, the museum offers diverse exhibits ranging from insects and vertebrates to plants, geology, paleontology, and astronomy.
The museum's roots trace back to 1914 with the establishment of the Natural History Committee within the Kagoshima Prefectural Library. Each part of the museum carries its own significant history. For instance, the Archaeological Museum was completed in 1883 as the 'Prefectural Industrial Hall' and was registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 1998. The Main Building, which served as the 'Prefectural Library,' was completed in 1927 as the first reinforced concrete library in Kyushu and was also registered as a Tangible Cultural Property in 2008. Thus, the museum buildings themselves serve as architectural symbols of Kagoshima's modernization and cultural evolution.
The exhibits are divided into several themed areas. In the Main Building, visitors can explore natural history and geology through the Special Exhibition Room on the 1st floor and Natural History Exhibition Rooms A and B on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The Annex (located on the 4th floor of Hozan Hall) features a planetarium and a fossil exhibition room, which showcases full skeletons of an Allosaurus and a Camptosaurus. Additionally, the Archaeological Museum preserves regional history within its beautiful 1883-era building. These-diverse displays allow visitors to understand the profound connection between Kagoshima's nature and its human history.
As an indoor facility, the museum is an excellent destination regardless of the season or weather. Standard visiting hours are from 9:00 to 17:00. The Annex, particularly the planetarium and fossil displays, is a must-see for those interested in paleontology and astronomy. Since the museum is located near the ruins of Tsurumaru Castle, we recommend pairing your visit with a stroll around the historic-looking surroundings on a clear day to enjoy the local atmosphere.
Visitors can deepen their understanding of Kagoshima's ecosystem and Earth's history through various interactive and visual displays. The planetarium in the Annex offers a unique astronomical perspective, while the Main Building's natural history rooms provide detailed insights into local flora, fauna, and geological formations. At the Archaeological Museum, you can learn about the region's ancient past while standing inside a historic architectural landmark.
The museum is situated in the 'Kagoshima Culture Zone.' This area is home to several other cultural landmarks, including the Saigo Takamori Statue, the Kagoshima Prefectural Museum of Art (Reimeikan), the Kagoshima Prefectural Library, the Kagoshima City Museum of Art, and the Kagoshima Modern Literature Museum. You can easily plan a cultural itinerary by visiting these nearby institutions to gain a holistic view of Kagoshima's heritage.
To ensure a comfortable visit, please note the following: